1st Bass recommendation for 12 yo

[CoffeeLove]

My default recommendation is a Squier Affinity P/J bass. Inexpensive, plentiful, well-made, traditional and easy to sell if she wants to upgrade or decides it's not for her. $229.

What about an amp?

I like this suggestion, especially if resale is important.

 

[Ostie]

I think that a full size P bass or similar might be too big and heavy. You don’t want it to be uncomfortable for her to play. It should be comfortable and fun for her to put it over her shoulder and play it. So maybe start with a Mustang, Bronco or even a Mikro bass. If she stays with it, she can move up to a full size bass later.

 

[Hurricane Jimmie]

So Anyway, too bad Rondo Music isn't carrying much inventory nowadays.
Their SX line of basses were a real value.
I'd recommend a 30" scale for your daughter.
Good Luck on your search.

 

[jd56hawk]

My daughter is turning 12 and has been asking for a bass which I want to surprise her with. She is average size her age (5ft). She has played guitar for a couple of years along with cello and sax. She has never played bass. I am a noob when it comes to bass.

My budget is $200 - 300.

Would you recommend a short scale bass for her due to her age and her being used to a guitar scale? If so what bass would you suggest? I have been looking at the Ibanez Talman 30 inch and the Ibanez Mezzo. I have also been thinking of a Hofner Ignition or other cheap Beatle Bass. What are your thoughts on these, or do you have other recomendations.

If you recommend a reg scale, what would you suggest? I have been reading good things about Ibanez GSR series and Talman 100. I have been thinking of Sterling Stingray. What are your thoughts?

Thanks in advance.

You want a Mikro Bass.
I can't tell you how many times I've seen young girls playing this one.
I have to believe the people at Ibanez designed these specifically with young girls in mind.
Very comfortable and they sound good, too...and I'm a guy who seldom recommends the brand.

 

[Lackey]

If you're gonna surprise her, DON'T get a 34" scale, especially not a P or similar with a broad neck. They are not gonna make it an easy start for a young kid. I was tall at 13 when I started on a P copy and it felt big. Also, the string tension is higher which is just one more hurdle to clear. Nothing wrong with a 32" scale bass with a slim neck and lighter overall weight. I have two medium scales now that I love as a 6'-5" 215 pound adult ....

Now, if you take her to a music store and she likes the P bass, that's a different story.

 

[mrm56]

if you are handy and so inclined, build one together.
warmoth and others have a great variety of parts as to 'personalize' it for her.

 

[Lackey]

Also, all this stuff about issues having to adjust later to a "full size" 34" bass is ridiculous. There's basses with 38" scale and 9 strings out there close to 20 pounds. There's ALWAYS going to be an adjustment with any new instrument.

 

[BarfanyShart]

Mikro, all the way, it comes in a bunch of cool colors, and it plays well.

 

[Polardog]

Take her shopping. Buy the one she likes best (within your budget). Chanches are she'll move on to something better when she's older and more skilled anyway.

My pick under $300 would be a used Epiphone Eb-0 made by Samick in Indonesia (way better than the newer ones made in China) and an Ampeg BA-108 v2 combo. You can pick those up used for less than 70 bucks. The Eb-0 is all mahogany and much more versatile than you'd think

 

[wyleeboxer]

My son is 12 now, started him on a Bronco short scale, he outgrow it 3 years ago. Been playing a Ibanez SR500 since. Skinny necks, small bodies, lightweight great for kid’s without going short scale and can play it when they get older IMHO

 

[Thegrandwazoo]

In that price range, new, I personally wouldn't consider anything but Ibanez or Yamaha. I think the Ibanez basses you mentioned are solid choices, particularly the TMB.

 

[jd56hawk]

Also, all this stuff about issues having to adjust later to a "full size" 34" bass is ridiculous. There's basses with 38" scale and 9 strings out there close to 20 pounds. There's ALWAYS going to be an adjustment with any new instrument.

 

[vbroden]

This would be great for her. She wouldn't need a new bass for a long time either.

For Sale - Yamaha BB404

 

[groove pump]

BEST thing of the day - thanks for sharing

 

[groove pump]

My daughter is turning 12 and has been asking for a bass which I want to surprise her with. She is average size her age (5ft). She has played guitar for a couple of years along with cello and sax. She has never played bass. I am a noob when it comes to bass.

My budget is $200 - 300.

Would you recommend a short scale bass for her due to her age and her being used to a guitar scale? If so what bass would you suggest? I have been looking at the Ibanez Talman 30 inch and the Ibanez Mezzo. I have also been thinking of a Hofner Ignition or other cheap Beatle Bass. What are your thoughts on these, or do you have other recomendations.

If you recommend a reg scale, what would you suggest? I have been reading good things about Ibanez GSR series and Talman 100. I have been thinking of Sterling Stingray. What are your thoughts?

Thanks in advance.

I'm still routinely impressed with the Yamaha RBX 170. One to keep in mind if you scout out some affordable 34" scale options.

I think our pals already recommended a couple of ideas for amps. A bass running through a guitar amp can be trouble - guitar amps aren't built to "shake the air" like a bass amp. Fortunately there are lots of happy little combos out there.

 

[Stan_da_man]

Yamaha BB234 or Ibanez SR300. Much better features and quality for the same price has a Squier Affinity.

Don't bother with a short scale bass or the like. The earlier you get used to a 34" scale length, the easier it gets as you grow.

 

[jd56hawk]

BEST thing of the day - thanks for sharing

You're welcome.
Size really doesn't matter.

 

[mikeswals]

My 11yr old daughter is doing fine learning on my regular P bass.

 

[steimlem]

Yamaha BB234 or Ibanez SR300. Much better features and quality for the same price has a Squier Affinity.

Don't bother with a short scale bass or the like. The earlier you get used to a 34" scale length, the easier it gets as you grow.

for what it's worth i'm a 6' tall guy with 2.25" pinky and 2.75" pointer finger (my hands are the same size as my 5'3 girlfriends)

i recently got a sr305 and find it to be the easiest to play and handle of all full sized basses that i've tried so far. i'm not the most experienced but if you are determined to go full scale and have small hands i vote for it comfort wise. i actually find it more comfortable than my squier ss jag 4 string that i had.

i do think the mikro is even better for my small hands. but it really limits your choices. especially if you want 5 string.. you're stuck with 1 color of one model and strings aren't as varied either. still, it could be a good choice for a first bass where comfort and learning is more important than tone, style, etc. and if she does ever outgrow it, it could always be something cool to have around for its uniqueness.

 

[steimlem]

i forgot to mention my 5'3 girlfriend also plays full scale bass and she's better than me